Hythe Town are facing up to the possibility that flying winger Ryan Palmer could be out long-term.

Palmer was a key figure in the Cannons’ storming finish to last season but ankle problems have plagued him recently.

A cortisone injection meant he was able to play at Ramsgate on Saturday but Palmer had to come off after 38 minutes.

Hythe boss Sam Denly said: “Palms got a whack and he’s struggling.

“There’s a possibility he could be out long-term, the way it’s going. It’s not really healing. He’s had the injection, which has helped, but he’s struggling to walk now.

“The way we set up and the way we play, Palms is key to that – and Kieron Campbell on the other side.

“That’s been frustrating for us. Kieron’s been excellent but Palms hasn’t been able to get going because of injuries.

“He’s been playing at 60 or 70% and he could be out for a while now.”

Hythe also have problems in goal, where injuries to two keepers left Denly scrambling late last week.

George Kamurasi is out with a broken hand and Ryan Nicholls, on loan from Dartford, missed the Ramsgate trip with a sprained ankle.

Hythe dual-registered Corinthian’s Aiden Prall and he made his debut at Southwood.

“It’s been a nightmare,” Denly admitted. “It was a bit lastminute.com on Friday but Aidan looked really good.

“I’ve had good reports on Aidan. He was at Charlton for a number of years with Zak Ansah and I spoke to Ben Smith at Canterbury City, who said he’s a good keeper.

“Ryan saw Dartford’s physio on Monday night and we’re hoping he’ll be back this weekend. If he isn’t, I’ll continue talks with Aiden and I’ve got other options too.”

It’s not all bad news on the injury front, though, Zach Fagan and Charlie Webster both having returned to action at Ramsgate.

Webster replaced Palmer in the first half before Fagan came on for the last 10 minutes.

Denly confirmed: “Both of them came through unscathed, which is great for us.

“Fagan got 20 minutes and Webbo came on earlier than we expected so that’s a plus. Jack Sammoutis should be back this weekend too.

“Fagan and Webbo are massive players for us and Sammoutis has been outstanding so if we get those three boys back, it gives me a headache.